Senior Biology Major Received Drinko Research Grant

Rachel Delzangle, a Westminster College senior biology major, received an Undergraduate Research Grant from Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Delzangle is a daughter of Raymond and Annamarie Delzangle of Belle Vernon and a graduate of Belle Vernon Area High School.

Her research, "Culturing Porphyromonas gingivalis Using Methods that Don't Require an Anaerobic Chamber," was supervised by Dr. Katherine Robertson, Westminster assistant professor of biology.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the main causative bacteria of gingivitis, a disease of the gums. The bacteria are hard to diagnose accurately because they are difficult to culture in the lab without the use of an anaerobic chamber, an expensive piece of equipment.

Delzangle designed four new methods for anaerobic culture that do not require use of the chamber. If any of these methods prove successful, it may provide an opportunity for the study of anaerobic bacteria at small institutions and underfunded or mobile dental clinics to screen samples for gingivitis-associated bacteria.

"Since this was my first research experience, this project has been a constant learning experience and a real introduction to the world of research," Delzangle said.

The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at Westminster through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education. The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences.

Contact Robertson at (724) 946-7213 or e-mail robertkl@westminster.edu for more information.

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